Cornering Coronavirus

Dear Families,

As many of you are now aware, a novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19 is present in the US and now in Ohio. We want to assure you that Montgomery Pediatrics is closely monitoring information through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) as it relates to COVID-19. It is a new illness and we are still learning how it spreads and the severity of the illness it causes. 

If you or your child becomes ill with flu-like or cold-like symptoms AND you or your child has been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, or you or your child have traveled to or been in close contact with someone who has traveled to China, Italy, Iran, Japan, or South Korea in the last 14 days, then we ask that you call the office to discuss this with the nurse.  In this scenario, we would ask that you NOT come into the office, but rather, report to the Ohio Department of Health for proper testing. At this time, we do not have the capability to test for and diagnose COVID-19, and the Ohio Department of Health is the best location to obtain proper testing.

According to the CDC, there are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid sharing drinks/food/personal items.

Additionally, if you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, the CDC recommends that you should:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (toys, tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks).

Regarding facemasks, you should wear a facemask if you are sick and around other people or if you are caring for someone who is sick and cannot wear a facemask.  Otherwise, it is not necessary to wear one.

Please follow public health advice regarding school closures, traveling, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.  This is especially important to people who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

Please visit the Ohio Department of Health or the CDC’s websites for up to date additional information and recommendations (see links below).

ODH: coronavirus.ohio.gov

CDC: cdc.gov

Thank you for helping us keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy,

The Doctors and Staff of MPI

Author

Alison Heffernan, MD Board Certified Pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics